I feel like there has been some evolution on this matter because I do see resumes using more of a functional format vs. experience format. I also think that the linearity of careers really started to break down maybe 20 years ago after the dot com bust. I don't think the same stigmas are attached to changing jobs every couple of years or having gaps...some stigma for sure, but not what it used to be in the earliest part of my career. Before I ever read Christina's book, I used to use the phrase "portfolio career" about myself because I had literally hopped industries. Wildly. Like out of college I pursued the arts, then I went into finance, then I went into tech, then I went into media.
I actually believe each of those components *built* on each other as I grew in experience and expertise. I am better at every aspect of what I've done because I've done so many different things...that is definitely my story, and I'm sticking to it!!!
Jan 16Liked by Elisa Camahort Page, Jory Des Jardins
When I was doing the Midlife Mixtape Podcast my favorite category of guest was the "Long Way 'Round" variety - the Chain Stitch Wrangler, the woman who lost her job then spent COVID driving around the country interviewing people and turning it into a book, the punk drummer who became an English professor and then went back to drumming. Each time, the guest was able to point to how this skill or that experience that SEEMED unrelated was actually the soil from which the next role had to grow. The non-linear route is where it's at, as far as I'm concerned...
Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective on the nonlinear life. It immediately brought to mind Bruce Feiler's book, "Life is in the Transitions," which delves into the concept of "lifequakes" – profound changes leading to transitions. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it, and I believe Feiler also has a Substack exploring the topic.
So true this idea of concealing aspects of ourselves on resumes, not knowing where they quite belong on the traditional resume. In my current transitional phase, I'm grappling with the realization that my hidden-from-view-on-my-resume and creative sides are integral to who I am and who I want to become. It feels like living a dual existence, not out of secrecy or shame, but rather not having had the right format to properly display the unique qualities and skills that make us wonderfully distinct. These aspects deserve to be shared and celebrated & included on a resume. I’m looking forward to checking out your book recommendation for more ideas on this!
It’s weird because so many roles require using many different skill sets, ask is to be both strategic and tactical, and also creative. But somehow it’s hard to adequately describe and benefit from having those diverse capabilities in traditional resume/profile templates.
Thanks for your comment Calliope! I remember when Bruce Feiler's book first came out--I meant to get it and never did! It's back on my roadmap. I believe that these seismic events are opportunities in disguise. They crack open the shells we've built over our true selves over the years.
I feel like there has been some evolution on this matter because I do see resumes using more of a functional format vs. experience format. I also think that the linearity of careers really started to break down maybe 20 years ago after the dot com bust. I don't think the same stigmas are attached to changing jobs every couple of years or having gaps...some stigma for sure, but not what it used to be in the earliest part of my career. Before I ever read Christina's book, I used to use the phrase "portfolio career" about myself because I had literally hopped industries. Wildly. Like out of college I pursued the arts, then I went into finance, then I went into tech, then I went into media.
I actually believe each of those components *built* on each other as I grew in experience and expertise. I am better at every aspect of what I've done because I've done so many different things...that is definitely my story, and I'm sticking to it!!!
When I was doing the Midlife Mixtape Podcast my favorite category of guest was the "Long Way 'Round" variety - the Chain Stitch Wrangler, the woman who lost her job then spent COVID driving around the country interviewing people and turning it into a book, the punk drummer who became an English professor and then went back to drumming. Each time, the guest was able to point to how this skill or that experience that SEEMED unrelated was actually the soil from which the next role had to grow. The non-linear route is where it's at, as far as I'm concerned...
Obvs. I hard agree :)
Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective on the nonlinear life. It immediately brought to mind Bruce Feiler's book, "Life is in the Transitions," which delves into the concept of "lifequakes" – profound changes leading to transitions. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it, and I believe Feiler also has a Substack exploring the topic.
So true this idea of concealing aspects of ourselves on resumes, not knowing where they quite belong on the traditional resume. In my current transitional phase, I'm grappling with the realization that my hidden-from-view-on-my-resume and creative sides are integral to who I am and who I want to become. It feels like living a dual existence, not out of secrecy or shame, but rather not having had the right format to properly display the unique qualities and skills that make us wonderfully distinct. These aspects deserve to be shared and celebrated & included on a resume. I’m looking forward to checking out your book recommendation for more ideas on this!
It’s weird because so many roles require using many different skill sets, ask is to be both strategic and tactical, and also creative. But somehow it’s hard to adequately describe and benefit from having those diverse capabilities in traditional resume/profile templates.
Thanks for your comment Calliope! I remember when Bruce Feiler's book first came out--I meant to get it and never did! It's back on my roadmap. I believe that these seismic events are opportunities in disguise. They crack open the shells we've built over our true selves over the years.